According to the Wall Street Journal, supply chains are almost back to normal for many industries. Unfortunately for transmission production rebuilders looking to stock their transmission parts supply inventory, the struggle to find and source parts is not over.
For one such consumer, Eboni Torres from Fayetteville, NC, the wait to get a replacement for a recalled transmission part that is covered under warranty has taken months, leaving her without a vehicle for a significant portion of 2022. “I went to crank my car and it wouldn’t go in reverse,” she told ABC 11 Eyewitness News earlier this month.
Torres is not the only person dealing with this problem. Many consumers who have had vehicle parts recalled have had to wait because of transmission parts supply chain issues, and the problem is still ongoing as we near the end of the year. Normally, consumers would be able to buy a new vehicle, but with inflated prices because of shortages, many simply cannot afford to upgrade.
How to Navigate Transmission Parts Supply Chain Issues
Supply chain issues happen for many reasons. Transmission production rebuilders need to be on top of unexpected transmission parts supply chain challenges that arise. Here are a few ways to mitigate the issues and keep your business moving.
Find Alternative Suppliers
Your relationship with your supplier could help you overcome the ongoing supply chain trouble. However, even if you have a good relationship with your supplier, they may not have the parts you need.
It’s important to keep your options open. If your usual supplier can’t meet your demand, it’s alright to shop around. You need to keep your business running, so if you need to switch suppliers to source critical parts, it’s worth it to keep your customers happy.
Communicate with Your Customers
Delays can damage your reputation, but failing to communicate with your customers will only make the matter worse. In fact, poor communication is one of the top customer complaints. It’s important to meet this problem head-on. If you know a delay is coming, warn your customers in advance to avoid dissatisfaction.
Increase Your Inventory When You Can
If it is possible to increase your inventory for in-demand parts, do it. When high-demand parts are available, you need to jump on the opportunity before your supplier runs out.
Need help sourcing hard-to-find parts while supply chain issues continue? Call our office at +1(305) 499-9789. We are available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM EST.